Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2001

88 articles found

5Window for Mega

5Window for Mega Hence, the budget allocation also serves as an effort to improve the people's income through job creation. Such an effort will be decided mostly by the people themselves ....

Legal system protects criminals

Legal system protects criminals From Koran Tempo I am not a lawyer, but I have observed that the legal system and practices in Indonesia often protect criminals instead of eradicating crime. Therefore, I think the law in Indonesia does not protect the public against criminal acts. With crimes such as butchery, cannibalism or ethnic extermination in Sampit, Central Kalimantan, those committing such brutal and inhumane crimes are free from legal action.

Arrivals of Iranians, Iraqis, Afghans limited

Arrivals of Iranians, Iraqis, Afghans limited JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided to limit the number of arrivals of foreigners from Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan in a bid to stem the problem of illegal immigrants, which has been a burden to the country, an official said on Friday. Director general for Immigration Supervision and Control of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights Muhammad Indra said Iranians, Iraqis and Afghans could no longer enter Indonesia without being tightly screened.

Gunung Kidul youths get help from GEP

Gunung Kidul youths get help from GEP By Israr Ardiansyah YOGYAKARTA (JP): For Indonesian lawmakers, a seat in the legislature means one step away from fortune and fame. But for elementary students in the parched Ngawen district, Gunung Kidul, some 50 kilometers east of here, a seat means education. The 262 students of the SDN Bendo state elementary school have to share a total of 50 benches, meaning roughly three students to every bench.

Megawati to go to Aceh despite rising tension

Megawati to go to Aceh despite rising tension BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri is scheduled to arrive in the city on Saturday, only two days after unidentified men shot dead a university rector here. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in Jakarta that he hoped Aceh would be peaceful during the President's visit.

S'pore expels wild elephant from zoo

S'pore expels wild elephant from zoo SINGAPORE (AFP): A bull elephant which tossed and gored its trainer in a unprovoked attack in July will be donated to an overseas wildlife park for safety reasons, the Singapore zoo said on Friday. "Staff safety comes first ... and Chawang (the elephant) poses a threat to our keepers," a spokesman said. "The attack happened this once but once is already too many.

KL to swap palm oil for planes

KL to swap palm oil for planes KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will visit Europe and Russia next week, where reportedly he will hold talks on a plan to swap palm oil for military planes. Mahathir's office said on Friday he will stopover in Singapore on Monday before starting a 10-day tour of England, Spain, Greece, Germany and Russia beginning Sept. 11.

Taiwan threatens to freeze labour imports from Indonesia,

Taiwan threatens to freeze labour imports from Indonesia, Philippines TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan may freeze labour imports from Indonesia and the Philippines if the two countries refuse to go along with a cut in minimum wages for workers they send to the island, a labour official said Friday. Taiwan this month slashed the minimum monthly wage of foreign workers from 15,840 Taiwan dollars (US$457.59) to 13,340 dollars, a 16 percent reduction.

Asian currencies down late on yen's fall, HK peg jitters

Asian currencies down late on yen's fall, HK peg jitters SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies continued to waver late Friday, as the U.S. dollar regained its footing against the yen following its overnight retreat. Market participants were slowly accumulating their long dollar positions, amid expectations the region's currencies, led by the yen, would suffer a relapse in coming months, dealers said.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Art Summit III * Theater by Rachman Sabur, Teater Payung Hitam (Indonesian), Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, 8 p.m., Sept. 8. * Music: Tarantula Hypertext O'rchestra (Italian), Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, Jl. Gedung Kesenian No. 1, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3808283), 8 p.m., Sept. 9 - 10. * Theater Black Tent Theater (Japanese), Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, 8 p.m., Sept. 12 - 13.

1. Duit (2 x 25)

1. Duit (2 x 25) Asian currencies down late on yen's fall, HK peg jitters 2. Market (1 x 35) Markets end broadly lower across Asia 3. Oil (1 x 35) Oil drifts lower as U.S. demand due to ease JP/11/Oil 4. Gold (2 x 24) Gold bullion consolidating, players focus on currency JP/11/Gold 5. Palm (2 x 16) Guthrie sells land to fund acquisition

Students protest additional fee

Students protest additional fee PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Some 1,000 freshmen of the state Soedirman University here staged a protest on Friday against an additional fee of Rp 500,000 (US$55.37) each that has been levied. "We protest and object to the new decision. This is a state university, how could it ask for fees as high as those of private universities?" asked Amin, one of the new students.

Sliding Japan economy ratchets up pressure at APEC

Sliding Japan economy ratchets up pressure at APEC SUZHOU, China (Reuters): Top Asia-Pacific officials struggling to send a strong policy signal to global markets were dealt another blow on Friday as data confirmed Japan's economy -- already a drag on the region -- was still floundering.

MURDOCH, Western Australia (JP): It's a political truism

MURDOCH, Western Australia (JP): It's a political truism "down-under" that Australia's stability and security is inextricably linked to that of Indonesia. Fortunately, it is a fundamentally solid relationship that most long-time observers in both countries believe is comprehensive and textured enough to weather the periodic storms that naturally engulf two neighbors.

Apartments provide a hassle-free life

Apartments provide a hassle-free life JAKARTA (JP): In searching for maximum security and convenience, more people now choose to live in apartments and willingly sustain their strict rules, exorbitant prices and leasing fees. Sekar and Agus, a newlywed couple, sacrificed most of their savings to make their dream of having a nice home right in the heart of the city come true by buying a two-room apartment in the Kuningan area early this year.

JP/9/AGS

JP/9/AGS Big players in textile world join Jakarta Expo JAKARTA (JP): Big players in the world's textile and fashion industries will take part in Asia Global Sourcing (AGS), an international textile and apparel exhibition and conference, which will be held at the Jakarta Convention Center next month. The show, scheduled for 25 - 27 October, will comprise a buyers program, a conference and exhibition of the industry.

Domestic oil output, price to decline next year: Purnomo

Domestic oil output, price to decline next year: Purnomo JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Friday that the lower oil and gas revenue in the 2002 state budget draft resulted from a decrease in oil production and a lower international oil price average. "We are taking conservative measures for next year," Purnomo said after President Megawati Soekarnoputri unveiled the state budget draft at a plenary session of the House of Representatives.

Aiming for deliverable pledges in Aceh

Aiming for deliverable pledges in Aceh Thursday's shooting of a well-known rector in Aceh's capital adds an even gloomier prospect to what the planned weekend presidential visit to the province could achieve. Dr. Rizal Sukma, Director of Studies at the Centre for Strategic International Studies, Jakarta, writes about what could be done. JAKARTA (JP): Many expect that the visit by President Megawati Soekarnoputri to war-torn Aceh province will soon solve the problems there.

Government unveils conservative budget

Government unveils conservative budget JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri unveiled the 2002 draft state budget on Friday, which will require both individuals and businesses to pay higher taxes and more for fuel and electricity. Megawati also cut spending by 2.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in her first budget since assuming power in July.

Rubber producers agree to cut output, exports

Rubber producers agree to cut output, exports KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Leading Asian rubber producers, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia agreed on Friday to reduce output by four percent in 2002 and 2003 and cut exports by 10 percent from January to support sagging prices. "This will result in production cutbacks of approximately 155,000 tons in 2002 and 200,000 tons in 2003. This scheme will commence on January 1, 2002," said a joint statement released by ministers of the three countries.

Disbursement of teachers' back pay to be speeded up

Disbursement of teachers' back pay to be speeded up JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said on Friday that the central government would assist certain regional administrations that were unable to pay teachers' salary back pay. Speaking at the legislature building after President Megawati Soekarnoputri unveiled the 2001 state budget, Jusuf said that the calculation of funds for regional administrations would end this week.

VW cars reenter RI market

VW cars reenter RI market JAKARTA (JP) : PT Car and Cars Indonesia (CCI) launched on Friday three new Volkswagen (VW) passenger car models in a move to reenter the Indonesian car market. CCI president Wenda Wonoseputro told the Jakarta Post on Friday that after being absent for about 20 years, VW had returned to Indonesia to satisfy the demand from car enthusiasts. The three new VW car passenger models include the 1.6 and 1.7 liter Golf, 1.8 and 2.8 Passat and the new 2.0 Beetle.

JP/ /

JP/ / The evolving people contract in companies By Darryl Hadaway JAKARTA (JP): Over the last three years, organizations have begun to undergo changes in order to alter their relationships with not just employees, but "people". This change will predominantly affect the relationship between management, the people they manage, as well as the people who have come together as a community to create value.

Askes' service unsatisfactory

Askes' service unsatisfactory From Pikiran Rakyat My relative and his wife are both civil servants and holders of state health insurance scheme (Askes) cards. He is on the fourth wage scale and his wife is on the third. His wife underwent medical treatment as an in-patient at Al- Islam hospital on Jl.Soekarno-Hatta, Bandung, from Aug. 15, 2001, to Aug. 20, 2001. As members of Askes they at first hoped that the scheme would provide special assistance or services.

[i]Fuel consumption continues to increase, generating a heavier

Fuel consumption continues to increase, generating a heavier burden of subsidy. A subsidy reduction, therefore, becomes more compelling ... ... there is a need to reinforce the principles of administering natural resources ... to achieve maximum benefit for all, instead of instigating the break away of our nation and state. Although the nominal figure of the budget is increasing, its amount is relatively decreasing from 3.1 percent of the GDP in 2001 to 2.8 percent in 2002.

JP/8/Apart

JP/8/Apart Apartments are more affordable than you think JAKARTA (JP): Many expatriates begin their lives here in Jakarta in a kost. While the reason for this is often monetary constraints, there is also the oft-cited reason of wanting to get to know Indonesians; to throw themselves into the hustle and bustle of Jakarta back among the mazes of little streets and alleyways that make up much of the city.

Mega fashion style

Mega fashion style As soon as Ibu Megawati returned from her tour of nine ASEAN countries she was immediately bombarded with criticism concerning, what else, the outfits she wore as an ambassador, in terms of fashion, for her country. Much, if not the only, negativity has been directed at the tunic she wore during her visit to Manila.

Effem enters RI candy market

Effem enters RI candy market MEDAN (JP): PT Effem Indonesia, a subsidiary of U.S. based global snack food and pet-food makers Mars Inc., said it had earmarked a total of US$20 million in new investment this year to manufacture various candies at its new plant in Medan, North Sumatra. Effem president Noel D. Janetski said the company expected to be able to have a 1.5 percent share of the country's candy market during the first year of the new plant's operation.

New state budget draft welcomed by legislators

New state budget draft welcomed by legislators JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives welcomed on Friday the 2002 state budget draft unveiled by President Megawati Soekarnoputri, saying it was realistic and business- oriented. "We think the budget is quite realistic and shows the government's seriousness in helping small and medium-sized businesses," House Speaker Akbar Tandjung said.

Referendum urged to break impasse on commision

Referendum urged to break impasse on commision JAKARTA (JP): Legislators, experts and activists from non- governmental organizations (NGOs) call for a national referendum to break the impasse in a tug-of-war between the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and NGOs on the constitutional commission. They said on Friday the referendum was needed to hear the people's voice on the proposed establishment of an independent commission to conduct a comprehensive amendment to the 1945 Constitution.

Allson Classic Suites blend the conveniences of home with luxury

Allson Classic Suites blend the conveniences of home with luxury If you are looking for all the comforts of home in a classic environment that offers five-star hotel service, then the Classic Suites at the Allson Residence at Mitra Oasis is your best choice for relaxation or business.

Conoco awards contracts for US$1.6b project

Conoco awards contracts for US$1.6b project HOUSTON (Dow Jones): Conoco Inc., under its South Natuna Sea Block B Production Sharing Contract with Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina, awarded two engineering, procurement, construction and installation, or EPCI, contracts for the $1.6 billion Belanak offshore natural gas development.

'Kaspar' a satire on current affairs

'Kaspar' a satire on current affairs By Primastuti Handayani JAKARTA (JP): Verbal language is commonly used to communicate, to convey a message and to criticize. But sometimes verbal language alone is not sufficiently effective and body language can express the message better.

Man sentenced for drugs possession

Man sentenced for drugs possession TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang District Court sentenced a man on Thursday to two years in jail for drug possession. Presiding judge Sutoto Hadi read out the verdict on 30-year- old Sayidin, who was found guilty of possessing 1.7 grams of marijuana. The sentence was less severe than demanded by prosecutor Eka Widiyastuti, who asked the court to sentence the defendant to two years and six months in jail.

Rahardi fails to meet AGO's fouth summons

Rahardi fails to meet AGO's fouth summons JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of trade and industry/former chairman of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Rahardi Ramelan, who is a suspect in a 1998 corruption case at the Agency, on Friday failed to meet a fourth summons from the Attorney General's Office, a report said. Spokesman for the Attorney General's Office Moeljohardjo told reporters that the forth summons had been delivered to one of Rahardi's lawyers Yan Juanda Saputra.

1. Bus ---- 3x15

1. Bus ---- 3x15 Council demands delay in public bus fare hike 2. Rahardi -- 2x17 Rahardi fails to meet AGO's fourth summons 3. BPOM ---- 2x20 BPOM regrets ad body's exit from review team 4. Subway --- 2x15 US$1.5b earmarked for subway project 5. Tommy --- 2x17 Seized cars of Tommy illegal, say police =========== 6. Heading 7. Caption 8. Focus -- 37cm

BPOM regrets ad body's exit from review team

BPOM regrets ad body's exit from review team JAKARTA (JP): The National Drug and Food Control Agency (BPOM) regretted the resignation of the Indonesian Advertising Association (PPPI) from the advertisement review team, saying that the team's function should not have been disrupted. BPOM also considered PPPI's decision as one-sided, as the two agencies had been working together for the past seven years in reviewing various drug and food advertisements.

Jasa Marga to sell new toll vouchers

Jasa Marga to sell new toll vouchers JAKARTA (JP): Toll road operator PT Jasa Marga has announced that it would sell new vouchers with an extended validity from one month to three months, starting in October. Company secretary Hengki Herwanto told the media here on Friday that it had decided to extend the date on the vouchers as many commuters had complained about its one-month validity. He told Antara that starting from Sept.

JP/ /ALLSON

JP/ /ALLSON Allson Classic Suites offer luxury and home conveniences If you are looking for pleasures from a combination of home convenience with classic environment, five-star hotel services, easy business and relaxation, the Classic Suites of the Allson Residence at Mitra Oasis are the most appropriate place for that.

Asia sees hurdles for new WTO talks

Asia sees hurdles for new WTO talks HANOI (Reuters): While Southeast Asian countries back the launching of a new trade round they see major hurdles that need to be overcome if that is to happen in Qatar in November, Thai and Philippine officials said on Friday.

Council demands delay in public bus fare hike

Council demands delay in public bus fare hike JAKARTA (JP): City Council Commission D for development affairs demanded on Friday that the Organization of City Land Transportation Owners (Organda) postpone its decision to increase fares of public air-conditioned buses. "We urge Organda to delay the rise until it discusses it with us," the commission's secretary, Bimo Hastoro, told reporters.

Defending champ Thailand gets support from Thaksin

Defending champ Thailand gets support from Thaksin KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra will give his nation's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games squad a boost by flying in to attend the regional games' opening ceremony on Saturday. Thaksin will fly to Kuala Lumpur on his private jet Saturday afternoon and hold talks with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad before attending the launch of the SEA Games that evening, the Malaysian foreign ministry announced.

Conoco awards contracts for US$1.6b project

Conoco awards contracts for US$1.6b project HOUSTON (Dow Jones): Conoco Inc., under its South Natuna Sea Block B Production Sharing Contract with Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina, awarded two engineering, procurement, construction and installation, or EPCI, contracts for the $1.6 billion Belanak offshore natural gas development.

Megawati under fire over policy on defense budget

Megawati under fire over policy on defense budget JAKARTA (JP): Legislators questioned on Friday President Megawati Soekarnoputri's policy for increasing the 2002 defense budget by 18 percent.

Conoco awards contracts for US$1.6b project

Conoco awards contracts for US$1.6b project HOUSTON (Dow Jones): Conoco Inc., under its South Natuna Sea Block B Production Sharing Contract with Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina, awarded two engineering, procurement, construction and installation, or EPCI, contracts for the $1.6 billion Belanak offshore natural gas development.

Congress on AIDS in Semarang

Congress on AIDS in Semarang SEMARANG: Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health Dedy S. Argadiredja opened a three-day congress on AIDS/HIV here on Friday. The congress, sponsored by the Indonesian Association of Hematologists and Blood Transfusion, is aimed at discussing ways of how to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

The evolving people contract in companies

The evolving people contract in companies By Darryl Hadaway JAKARTA (JP): Over the last three years, organizations have begun to undergo changes in order to alter their relationships with not just employees, but "people". This change will predominantly affect the relationship between management, the people they manage, as well as the people who have come together as a community to create value.

Considering the aforementioned, the choice only highlights the

Considering the aforementioned, the choice only highlights the need to raise domestic prices. Obviously, it is a heavy, yet unavoidable decision to maintain the sustainability of the state budget as a prerequisite for economic recovery. The balance obtained from a subsidy reduction would increase development funds available to fulfill the basic needs of people. In a bid to lessen the burden of the low-income people as a result of the price hikes, compensatory programs will be carried out.

State budget draft realistic: Analysts

State budget draft realistic: Analysts JAKARTA(JP): Noted analysts hailed as "realistic" the 2002 state budget draft delivered on Friday by President Megawati Soekarnoputri at a plenary session of the House of Representative (DPR). Raden Pardede, a senior economist at Danareksa Research Institute, said that, as a whole, the 2002 budget bill was realistic and attainable as it contained conservative, yet wise, basic economic assumptions.

Megawati submits contractionary but workable budget

Megawati submits contractionary but workable budget On Friday President Megawati Soekarnoputri unveiled the 2002 draft state budget at a House of Representatives' plenary session in Jakarta. The text and tables can also be accessed on www.thejakartapost.com. It indeed required extra effort to finish the Draft of the 2002 State Budget (APBN) in the midst of this seemingly uncertain situation.

Labor Party vows to focus on Asia if it wins elections

Labor Party vows to focus on Asia if it wins elections SYDNEY, Australia (Agencies): The opposition Labor Party would put the Asia Pacific region back at the center of Australian foreign policy if it wins elections this year, in contrast to the government's focus on the United States, leader Kim Beazley said. In a major foreign policy speech, Beazley said strengthening ties with Asia were the most important foreign policy issue facing Australia.

GMO

GMO President reminded of her promise on GMO. Page 2 Bus fare Council demands delay in public bus fare hike. Page 3 Howard Australian PM Howard's stance on Indonesia. Page 4 SEA Games RI promises fight to the finish for SEAG medals. Page 6 Tennis Hewitt passes fiery Roddick to meet Kafelnikov in semis. Page 7 East Timor East Timor focuses on human resources development. Page 8 Japan Japan's economy contracts 0.8% for second quarter.

Hansaplast Cares donates library

Hansaplast Cares donates library JAKARTA (JP): PT Beiersdorf Indonesia (BDF), through its Hansaplast Cares Program, has donated a library building and equipment worth Rp 120 million (US$14,118) to Kampus Diakonia Modern Foundation in Cileungsi, Bogor.

Some 50 top designers to stage latest collections at Fashion Week

Some 50 top designers to stage latest collections at Fashion Week JAKARTA (JP): Some 50 top fashion designers will present their collections during Indonesian Fashion Week, which will be held in conjunction with the Asia Global Sourcing textile and apparel exhibition. The event, which is organized by PT Rantai Expo International in cooperation with the London-based ITE Group Plc., is billed as Indonesia's biggest fashion event of the year.

MURDOCH, Western Australia (JP): It's a political truism

MURDOCH, Western Australia (JP): It's a political truism "down-under" that Australia's stability and security is inextricably linked to that of Indonesia. Fortunately, it is a fundamentally solid relationship that most long-time observers in both countries believe is comprehensive and textured enough to weather the periodic storms that naturally engulf two neighbors. 2.

Late paper

Late paper Due to technical problems, The Jakarta Post arrived late to subscribers in Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and Irian Jaya, on Friday Sept. 7. We apologize for the inconvenience. --Publisher

The bare-bones budget

The bare-bones budget The first state budget proposal submitted by President Megawati Soekarnoputri to the House of Representatives on Friday will predictably be contractionary for the economy, as the government will take more out of the pockets of taxpayers, and more than 38 percent of total spending will go to servicing and installing foreign and domestic debts.

Conoco awards contracts for US$1.6b project

Conoco awards contracts for US$1.6b project HOUSTON (Dow Jones): Conoco Inc., under its South Natuna Sea Block B Production Sharing Contract with Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina, awarded two engineering, procurement, construction and installation, or EPCI, contracts for the $1.6 billion Belanak offshore natural gas development.

Enter the Afghan angle

Enter the Afghan angle By David T. Hill MURDOCH, Western Australia (JP): It's a political truism "down-under" that Australia's stability and security is inextricably linked to that of Indonesia. Fortunately, it is a fundamentally solid relationship that most long-time observers in both countries believe is comprehensive and textured enough to weather the periodic storms that naturally engulf two neighbors.

US$1.5b earmarked for subway project

US$1.5b earmarked for subway project JAKARTA (JP): City Governor Sutiyoso said on Friday that a fund of 200 billion Japanese yen (US$1.5 billion) in central government's coffers was available for the construction of the Fatmawati-Kota subway project. "The 200 billion yen was part of a 600 billion yen loan that has not been used (by the central government). We could use the 200 billion loan for the subway project," Sutiyoso told reporters at City Hall.

Govt to assist regions to disburse teachers' back pay

Govt to assist regions to disburse teachers' back pay JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla said on Friday that the central government would assist certain regional administrations that were unable to pay teachers' salary back pay. Speaking at the legislature building after President Megawati Soekarnoputri unveiled the 2001 state budget, Jusuf said that the calculation of funds for regional administrations would end this week.

[b]

Megawati submits contractionary but workable budget ;JP;ANR; ANPAk..r.. JP/ / Provisional translation GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON BILL ON THE STATE BUDGET OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2002 AND ITS FINANCIAL NOTE AT THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA 7 SEPTEMBER 2001 It has indeed required an extra effort to finish the Draft of the State Budget (APBN) 20002 in the midst of this seemingly uncertain situation.

VW passenger cars reenter RI market

VW passenger cars reenter RI market JAKARTA (JP) : PT Car and Cars Indonesia (CCI) launched on Friday three new Volkswagen (VW) passenger car models in a move to reenter the Indonesian car market. CCI president Wenda Wonoseputro told the Jakarta Post on Friday that after being absent for about 20 years, VW had returned to Indonesia to satisfy the demand from car enthusiasts. The three new VW car passenger models include the 1.6 and 1.7 liter Golf, 1.8 and 2.8 Passat and the new 2.0 Beetle.

Legislators welcome 2002 state budget draft

Legislators welcome 2002 state budget draft JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives welcomed on Friday the 2002 state budget draft unveiled by President Megawati Soekarnoputri, saying it was realistic and business- oriented. "We think the budget is quite realistic and shows the government's seriousness in helping small and medium-sized businesses," House Speaker Akbar Tandjung said.

Garin's 'The Poet' wins more awards

Garin's 'The Poet' wins more awards JAKARTA (JP): Garin Nugroho's Puisi Tak Terkuburkan (The Poet) has won further international recognition as the film's leading actor Ibrahim Kadir took the award in the best actor category at the Cinefan 2001 Awards in India.

Apartment sector sees signs of recovery, occupancy increases

Apartment sector sees signs of recovery, occupancy increases JAKARTA (JP): The prospects for the apartment sector in the capital are much brighter this year as more middle class people are prefering to live in these high-rise residential buildings. Some leading apartments are experience increasing and stable occupancy rates after a harsh time during the economic downturn and political uncertainties.

Govt praised for education budget rise

Govt praised for education budget rise JAKARTA (JP): Words of praise from legislators and an education expert poured in when the government announced it had prioritized education in the 2002 draft state budget. "I am very happy to learn of the government's commitment and hope it will help improve teachers' welfare," Marwah Daud Ibrahim, a member of the House of Representatives Commission VI on human resources, said on Friday.

State budget draft realistic: Analysts

State budget draft realistic: Analysts JAKARTA(JP): Noted analysts hailed as "realistic" the 2002 state budget draft delivered on Friday by President Megawati Soekarnoputri at a plenary session of the House of Representative (DPR). Raden Pardede, a senior economist at Danareksa Research Institute, said that, as a whole, the 2002 budget bill was realistic and attainable as it contained conservative, yet wise, basic economic assumptions.

Performing: More than just for show

Performing: More than just for show JAKARTA (JP): Performing good quality art is no longer enough. The most important thing is that the artists should be able to reach audiences through their work, even collaborative pieces made with foreign counterparts -- a common phenomenon in the performing arts.

Police told to solve rector's murder in Aceh

Police told to solve rector's murder in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): The assassination of the rector of Syiah Kuala University, Dayan Dawood, was strongly condemned on Friday. The Indonesian Rectors Forum, Syiah Kuala University and the American Embassy demanded that the police seriously work to uncover the crime and not to let the case disappear into thin air the way they have done with numerous other crimes in Aceh.

Seized cars of Tommy illegal, say police

Seized cars of Tommy illegal, say police JAKARTA (JP): Seven of ten impounded cars, believed to belong to fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, are suspected of being illegally imported, an officer claimed on Friday. City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said the cars did not come with complete documentation, such as ownership papers and purchase receipts. "Since they do not have the proper documents or license plates, we assume they were smuggled in," he said.

Indonesia cautious of host challege

Indonesia cautious of host challege KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Having cleared the first hurdle in the form of feisty Vietnam, the Indonesian men's soccer team is set to meet yet tougher opponents when it takes on host Malaysia in its second Group B match on Sunday. "Considering our long-standing rivalry so far, Malaysia is stronger than Vietnam. To win the upcoming match, we must attack more from both wings as well as the center of the field," coach Benny Dollo told reporters on Friday.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sep 7, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,500 0 0 Adindo Foresta 100 -5 117,000 AGIS 135 10 324,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 725 25 2,500 Alakasa 210 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 925 0 7,500 Alter Abadi 80 0 0 Alumindo Light 650 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 210 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,025 0 2,435,500 Apac Citra 335 0 5,000 Aqua Golden...

Drought hits Cilacap

Drought hits Cilacap CILACAP, Central Java: Water shortages hitting nearly 31 villages in the district of Cilacap, Central Java, have left children in that area suffering from diarrhea. Community health centers in those villages were packed with patients, mostly children, on Friday. Besides the diarrhea outbreak, thousands of adults in those villages located in eight subdistricts have found it difficult to get water to wash themselves. "We can neither take a bath nor boil water.

Asian rubber producers agree to cut output, exports

Asian rubber producers agree to cut output, exports KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Leading Asian rubber producers, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia agreed on Friday to reduce output by four percent in 2002 and 2003 and cut exports by 10 percent from January to support sagging prices. "This will result in production cutbacks of approximately 155,000 tons in 2002 and 200,000 tons in 2003. This scheme will commence on January 1, 2002," said a joint statement released by ministers of the three countries.

RP officers may face trial over Abu Sayyaf

RP officers may face trial over Abu Sayyaf MANILA (Agencies): A Philippine lawmaker on Friday raised the prospect of court-martial after Congress found "strong evidence" that several military officers colluded with the Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang. The Moro guerrilla group had slipped through a military cordon in the southern island of Basilan on June 2 when cornered inside a hospital with 20 U.S. and Filipino hostages, triggering the congressional inquiry.

State budget draft realistic: Analysts

State budget draft realistic: Analysts JAKARTA(JP): Noted analysts hailed as "realistic" the 2002 state budget draft delivered on Friday by President Megawati Soekarnoputri at a plenary session of the House of Representative (DPR). Raden Pardede, a senior economist at Danareksa Research Institute, said that, as a whole, the 2002 budget bill was realistic and attainable as it contained conservative, yet wise, basic economic assumptions.

Conoco awards US$1.6b contracts

Conoco awards US$1.6b contracts HOUSTON (Dow Jones): Conoco Inc., under its South Natuna Sea Block B Production Sharing Contract with Indonesian state oil and gas company Pertamina, awarded two engineering, procurement, construction and installation, or EPCI, contracts for the $1.6 billion Belanak offshore natural gas development.

China's Li Peng visits Vietnam

China's Li Peng visits Vietnam HANOI (Reuters): China's parliamentary leader Li Peng began a three-day visit to neighboring Vietnam on Friday aimed at building on improved ties with a country that is both a communist ally and a traditional regional rival. Li, the chairman of China's National People's Congress, will stay until Monday on what is described by both sides as an "official friendship visit".

RP court to hear Estrada graft case

RP court to hear Estrada graft case MANILA (AFP): A special court is to begin hearing evidence on plunder charges against detained former Philippines president Joseph Estrada on Oct. 1, court officials said on Friday. Estrada, deposed in a popular revolt in January, is on trial on charges of building a personal fortune of US$80 million through illegal means including taking bribes and kickbacks. The crime is punishable by death.

RI promises fight to the finish for SEAG medals

RI promises fight to the finish for SEAG medals By Novan Iman Santoso KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Although host Malaysia is expected to win the first gold on offer at the 21st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Saturday, Indonesia vows to put up a fight for the rest of the medals. The maiden gold will be up for grabs in the equestrian event, where Malaysia looks to become the dominant force. "Malaysian riders know the field very well and there are four of them competing.

East Timor focuses on human resources development

East Timor focuses on human resources development By Yemris Fointuna DILI, East Timor (JP): Since breaking away from Indonesia, East Timor has been working hard to prepare itself to become a new country. The capital city Dili, for example, is very different from when the territory was still part of Indonesia. Now people can go anywhere as they wish without fear or threat. Economic activities have also started up again.

Guthrie sells land to fund acquisition

Guthrie sells land to fund acquisition KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd., a Malaysian plantations and property company, Friday said it plans to sell land in Malaysia to pay for recent acquisitions in Indonesia. Ghazali Bin Awang, executive director for finance and corporate service, said Kumpulan could sell by the year-end as much as 1,000 hectares of land in Malaysia, some of which is still under cultivation.

President reminded of her promise on GMO

President reminded of her promise on GMO JAKARTA (JP): A group of non-governmental organizations opposed to the commercial use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) called on President Megawati Soekarnoputri to make good on her April promise to review government rules on the technology. Megawati should impose a five-year moratorium on transgenic experiments as well as on the sale of GMO-based products, the NGO Coalition for Biosafety and Food Safety said on Friday.

Police nab drug dealers in Bali

Police nab drug dealers in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: The police in Denpasar have nabbed two suspected drug dealers and seized some 15.8 grams of shabu- shabu (crystal methamphetamine). "We had been chasing them for a few days and finally arrested them last Tuesday," Bali Police narcotic division chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Wayan Suwena said here on Friday. The suspected criminals were identified as Komang Wiartana, 30, and Totok Sugiarto, 39.

Analysts call proposed budget realistic, prudent

Analysts call proposed budget realistic, prudent JAKARTA(JP): Noted analysts hailed as "realistic" the 2002 state budget draft delivered on Friday by President Megawati Soekarnoputri at a plenary session of the House of Representative (DPR). Raden Pardede, a senior economist at Danareksa Research Institute, said that, as a whole, the 2002 budget bill was realistic and attainable as it contained conservative, yet wise, basic economic assumptions.

Parents disrespect teachers

Parents disrespect teachers From Warta Kota Similar incidents to the one where a teacher beat his student and the next day the student's parents and relations came along to the school and thrashed him may be occurring frequently in some junior high schools. On Aug. 28, 2001, an almost identical incident befell a male teacher in the state Junior High School 21 (SLTPN 21). The teacher, whom I personally know, is highly dedicated to teaching and educating his pupils.

Rupiah Rates Sept.7

Rupiah Rates Sept.7 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.